Jalopnik: mule

Mystery Ferrari Mule Spotted In Maranello

Ray Wert — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:20:00 EST

OK, we're flummoxed. We've no idea what the heck this Ferrari is that was spotted outside of the R&D center of the prancing horse in Maranello. We're guessing it's a powertrain mule — but of what kind and what purpose, we've not got the foggiest idea. We're wondering if y'all — or perhaps the nice people at FerrariChat might be willing to hazard a guess as to the identity of the mystery mule. Full spy report from our magical tipster Kevin Welker (who knows a thing or two about the sound of an engine) after the jump and higher-res shot located here.

"I was in Maranello last week and caught this mule pulling out of the R&D center of Ferrari. Not sure if it is old news as a 2010 Dino or some shooting brake concept that would get everyone at Jalopnik all hot and bothered but I thought I would pass it along. It sounded like a V8 to me as it pulled away."

Ferrari Dino...Mule or 599?

Ray Wert — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:40:00 EDT

We just got the following missive and photos from Brenda Priddy, who's claiming this here taped-up Ferrari is none other than the alleged mini-stallion, the Dino. Here's what Brenda's telling us:

"Here is the first proof that Ferrari is working on a new Dino. These exclusive pictures are showing a mule of the new car. Based on a 599 body, it doesn't yet give away so much - but at least a little of what will become the new Dino.

More from Brenda after the jump.

What identifies the test car as a mule for the Dino is the engine sound, or should we say the lack of it. It clearly doesn't sound as sharp as a F430 for example.
The Classic Dino was built between 1968 and 1976, and its name honours the founder Enzo Ferrari´s son, Alfredino "Dino" Ferrari, who died in 1956 at the age of 24 from a muscular dystrophy. While that vintage Dino had a V6 behind the driver, the new one will be powered by a V8 with 400 bhp. Ferrari will most likely start with a Coupe, but expect a Spider later on. There is a high possibility that Pininfarina will do the design work with input from former Ferrari design boss Frank Stephenson, who now heads Fiat´s Centro Stile operation.

The new Dino will be starting at approximately 100-110.000 Euros. Insiders are saying that it's possible to sell up to 4000 Dinos annually once the car gets the green light for production. Such a figure would instantly double Ferrari´s yearly production and give the make a whole new group of customers. Talk is also about the new Dino to be built at the Maserati factory in the city of Modena. This city is very important to the history of Ferrari, as it is the town where its founder Enzo Ferrari was born. Even if Ferrari is still denying the project, we expect to see it on the roads in 2009."

Mercedes SLC Mule: Coolest. Mule. Ever.

Ray Wert — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:59:59 EDT

Seriously, we've no idea why this Mercedes SLC mule, the same spotted earlier by the folks at KGP, is arousing us in ways very few vehicles have in a long time. We've no clue how far into the development process the AMG engineers actually are, but all we do know is this mule that's part Viper and part Mercedes is all cool. We're not even really sure why that's the case. Maybe it's because it's got that kind of Mad Max feel to it but with the blunt plastic nose and the riveted add-on sheet metal — we really want one. As is. Don't even try to deny it — you know you feel the same way we do — you know how badly you want that long black car parked right in your garage.

Spy Photos: Chevrolet Camaro Mule?

Ray Wert — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:42:52 EDT

Ok, we've no idea how to call this one, but there's some discussion going on over at GMInsideNews as well as Automochatter about whether or not that picture you see above is a powertrain mule for the new Chevy Camaro. The photo shows what looks to be a Holden Commodore with some bolted on fender flares that's lost a couple of inches from the wheelbase. And since, as one commenter on Automochatter claims:

"The Camaro will lose 2.xx inches in wheelbase compared to the Commodore. The mods made to the C-pillar and rear doors look about right to accommodate that to me."

they're making a decent argument that what you've got is potentially some kind of test platform. What do you think — but before you answer that question — If we end up being right, remember where you saw it first, and if we're wrong — remember where we linked to. – Ray Wert

Camaro mule pic!? [Automochatter via GMInsideNews]